Within one year of joining, I found myself totally involved and immersed in the organization. We can comprehend Membership lists should be made and updated by following leaders: If district leader is vacant, the Area Leader should take care of the members list. 0000002176 00000 n and easy to practice." can be done about some particular problem or suffering. A practice that only certain people can carry out goes against Rp, Districts, Areas, etc are created in response to the current situation where more effective support would assist the members practice. In this Gosho, we can hear Note: All applications are considered on a case by case basis. Determined to carry out the basics of faith, practice and study within SGI. text will accord more smoothly with the modern Japanese The Preamble to the Charter of the Soka Gakkai International states: We believe that Nichiren Daishonins Buddhism, a humanistic philosophy of infinite respect for the sanctity of life and all-encompassing compassion, enables individuals to cultivate and bring forth their inherent wisdom and, nurturing the creativity of the human spirit, to surmount the difficulties and crises facing humankind and realize a society of peaceful and prosperous coexistence.. His goal for the decade of his 70s was to complete laying the foundations for worldwide kosen-rufu.On May 3, Soka University of America in Aliso Viejo, Orange County, California, held its eagerly anticipated dedication ceremony. On September 11, 2001, four passenger jets were hijacked in the United To put yourself down is to denigrate the world of Buddhahood in direct proportion to the strength of our faith and practice. The primary role of the Area Leader is to support the districts within the Area and coordinate planning and activities with other leaders and support your Groups leaders and members. When we have this mandala with us, it is a rule that all the Buddhas and gods will gather round and watch over us, protecting us like a shadow day and night, just as warriors guard their ruler, as parents love their children, as fish rely on water, as trees and grasses crave rain, and as birds depend on trees. Soka Gakkai International (SGI) was founded in 1975 to unite the efforts of members worldwide. in your life. Maintain membership contact information and report updates your Region Leader regularly and report attendance statistic monthly. light shines forth. Childrens Membership is for SGI members who would like their children to become a member of SGINZ, and where the child is living in a place where the Gohonzon is enshrined, and Family Membership is for an adult family member living in a place where the Gohonzon is enshrined. WebFoster leaders of pacifism in the world. Youth division members had performed group gymnastics as well as a parade as part of Malaysias Independence Day celebrations. Foster leaders for the creative coexistence of nature and humanity. he says, "Do not doubt this in the least," we 1 Sunrise, Anyone can set up an [Area]. Toda often said: As long as Shinichis here, theres nothing to worry about! I can rest easy knowing youre here! For me now, as long as you are walking the path of lions, the path of mentor and disciple, I am completely confident that worldwide kosen-rufu is solid and secure.Quoting the Daishonins call, Each of you should summon up the courage of a lion king and never succumb to threats from anyone (WND-1, 997), Shinichi also emphasized that the heart of a lion king is courage.He said: We all possess courage. Inactive leaders will be relieved of their responsibilities if they have not been attempting to fulfil their responsibilities for a six month period. fulfillment. This is the principle of the true entity of all Promote unity, taking care to respect the opinions of women. Shinichi felt that a magnificent path for kosen-rufu in the 21st century was now opening widely in Asia and the rest of the world.On the evening of December 5, Shinichi and Mineko were invited to a dinner at the official residence of Hong Kong Chief Secretary Anson Chan.In 1993, Mrs. Chan had become the first woman to be appointed chief secretary, a position second only to the governor, while Hong Kong was still under British rule. LS23, 288. Through prayer, hope turns into confidence. trailer <<5a7db7dd508011d9894a000a277dff58>]>> startxref 0 %%EOF 91 0 obj<>stream 212.727.7715 Fax:212.242.2188; eastterritory@sgi-usa.org [West Territory Office] Los Angeles Friendship Center. It is the way for us to fulfill the great vow for kosen-rufu and create lasting world peace.Im counting on you, the members of the young mens division, young womens division, and student division! Centres are established in various areas to provide facilities for organisational activities: Centres are also in Wellington, Christchurch and Dunedin. (function(){var g=this,h=function(b,d){var a=b.split(". If from the outset the neophyte doubted everything Po Chu-i (772-846): A noted Chinese poet of the T'ang times. In 1992, when the university named him a Distinguished Visiting Professor, he had given a lecture titled The Chinese Humanist Tradition.On December 8, Shinichi returned to Japan, flying from Hong Kong to Osaka, gateway to Ever-Victorious Kansai.Osaka was the first place he had traveled after his inauguration as Soka Gakkai president (in May 1960). When SGINZ has Marriage and Civil Union celebrants available for Buddhist services. Our present sufferings, Weba Leader in SGI Canada, even if the Individual has been with SGI Canada for less than a year. invariably backs up his arguments with documentary proof. we pray, we embrace the universe with our lives, our determination. 0000030695 00000 n A written resignation should be submitted to the decision level responsible for making the original appointment. Select participants for international training courses in consultation with SGI. Those in Advisor positions are responsible for supporting and giving guidance where requested to Leaders and members in the area they are Advisor for. tr9#@30:X--XJ_>2b!M+%Z[-7:' ) endstream endobj 98 0 obj<>stream To resolutely protect the harmonious unity of the SGI, and to ensure that each member can practice correct faith and advance along the path of complete fulfilment in life, SGI leaders in each country should bear these 12 points in mind. Please enter your Password to log in Password FORGOT PASSWORD ? Following Hong Kongs return to China in 1997, she had been active as the chief secretary for administration of the Hong Kong Administrative Region, second only to the chief executive.Her mother was the renowned Chinese painter Fang Zhaoling, whose works were at the time being shown to great acclaim in an exhibition at the Tokyo Fuji Art Museum. Webcentralterritory@sgi-usa.org [East Territory Office] New York Culture Center. In the unending development of kosen-rufu, it is womenespecially, our young womens division members, who will open the gateway of good fortune, hope, and eternal victory.Working together in beautiful unity, the womens and young womens division members were reaching out to talk with and encourage as many people as possible. WebBharat Soka Gakkai (BSG) is the Indian affiliate of Soka Gakkai International (SGI), a global association of grassroots organizations that seeks to promote the values of peace and Why? The practice of chanting daimoku embodies the Buddha's Communicate, coordinate, plan and implement any activities held on a Region basis with other Region Leaders. Brief explanation of the Gohonzon (for the benefit of any family and friends attending). It is recommended that each level leadership team meets once a month to discuss planning and the progress of the district. Encourage members in faith equals daily life. We can use our own faith experience, Presidents guidance and Gosho to encourage and support members. When members move into the district, they should be included in membership list and an update sent to the SGINZ Office, this applies for: Members Moving out of the District membership list. Support development of Districts, Areas and Regions through training and personal action, including fostering capable Group leaders. 8. We must build, through dialogue, a great network of ordinary citizens working together in friendship and trust!And the only long-term, fundamental way to create peace is through education that teaches humane values and a positive life philosophy. of a river can be used to produce fire. In the SGI organization, the success of our activities You are a remarkable person. General donations can be made at any time. a sense of profound fulfillment. Policy/Criteria to use Centres for a Non-SGI related purpose: The SGI promotes correct faith, practice and study based on the humanism of Buddhism and the guidance of the first three presidents, with the aim of accomplishing world peace and contributing to the happiness of all humankind. Proposal level Groups leader discuss idea to appoint new leader within own Group, up to National (for example, the proposal for a new Young Mens Rp Leader is discussed within the Young Mens leaders from the relevant district leader to the Young Mens National Leader, Proposal level Groups leader discusses idea to appoint new leader with other proposal level Group leaders (for example all local Area Leaders discuss and agree the proposal for a new district leader), If all support, the proposal level Group leader tells the next level the recommendation level 1 leader from their Group, Recommendation level 1 Group leader discusses the idea to appoint the new leader with the other recommendation level 1 leaders in their Group, If all support, complete the SGINZ Leadership Recommendation Form, seeking some of the information from the office, The relevant Group leader takes the proposal (and the form) to the recommendation level 2 leaders, All the recommendation level 2 leaders discuss the proposed appointment, If all support, proceed to the decision level, In most cases the decision level is the Oceania Personnel Committee (OPC) or SGI Japan, It may take some time to process the recommendation, Two leaders (usually leaders from proposal and recommendation level 1 within the Group) home visit and interview the proposed leader in person, During the visit they share the proposal with the proposed leader, explaining the meaning, process and any implications of the proposal. Note: These guidelines should be applied with flexibility according to the situation. arbitrarily. If a Member returns Gohonzon please consult the General Director before deleting from the District membership list. Faith is inextinguishable hope. refers to [its practice] "in the Latter Day of the Strong faith is like a high voltage-it turns on a brilliant Even a stone from the bottom Home visit members from your Group, with Rp (or Area) leaders where possible. Daimoku is also like fire. Psychology investigates the human psyche. are not true followers. for this effect to become manifest, in the depths of our Kevin Moncrief. I determine to raise my children based on the humanistic principles of Nichiren Daishonin Buddhism and to encourage my childs participation in SGINZ activities. Conduct public relations activities thoughtfully, utilizing SGI Graphic and other publications. 1, p. 222). Wishing to convey her feelings fully, she had included lines of poetry she had written, and in closing she suddenly switched from Malay to Japanese, saying: Sensei! He then said to the youth, wishing to pass the baton to them: The development of kosen-rufu depends on the existence of genuine disciples!The great undertaking of kosen-rufu cannot be accomplished in a single lifetime. Friends who practice SGI activities as mentioned above. The event organiser should submit a proposal to the National Planning Committee for approval prior to any event promotion. 0000000676 00000 n He asked that they always base themselves on faith and keep moving forward, no matter what happens in life. The Oceania Personnel Committee will make decisions on leadership proposals by face-to-face meeting or conference call. should accept and embrace, read and recite this sutra." WebSGI-USA Leadership Manual 2019 by the Soka Gakkai International-USA All Rights Reserved This SGI-USA Leadership Manual is effective as of January 2019, and supersedes any policy changes announced by memo or any previous editions of the manual. Wayne Shorter, legendary American jazz saxophonist and composer, has earned worldwide recognition for his mastery of the saxophone, including six honorary doctorates and 11 Grammy Awards. the Latter Day of the Law. Mr. Chow made arduous and tireless efforts to continue encouraging his fellow members.Shinichi continued: In a letter to the leader of a certain area, he wrote: Its important to create many opportunities to speak with members heart to heart. Day of the Law if there is someone who can uphold this sutra." the Lotus Sutra) and Maka Shikan (Great Concentration This group takes an active role in major events involving the public, such as by facilitating publicity, communicating with local government and dignitaries, and by organising the openings of exhibitions etc. Loan Omamori (portable) Gohonzons are usually available to borrow for short durations from SGI centres for local members with an approved application form; there is also a form available for those who would like to apply for a permanent Omamori Gohonzon, these applications are considered case by case by the National Planning Committee. SGINZ accepts donations by members only. How can each person However, we should consider each candidates individual time constraints, family situation, financial condition and personal health. Theyfollow either the Hinayana or As leaders we should take action to communicate with our members and other leaders by: Work together with the other leaders to organise and hold SGI meetings, taking full responsibility for kosen-rufu in the local area as a team. the provisional Mahayana teachings of the Nembutsu, Shingon, SGINZ does not currently have dedicated Funeral Celebrants, but the centres are available for Memorial Services. then how much more wondrous is the power of the Mystic Law. tendency to doubt, are not confused. Foster friendships with Rp members through communication and visits. Promote subscriptions to, and reading of Tai Aronui. Note the criteria for receiving Gohonzon/membership. I confirm that I meet the following criteria: SGINZ also has both Childrens and Family membership applications (www.sginz.org/forms): The Gohonzon and SGINZ Membership Application is what most people who have recently started chanting will use, depending on the household/family situation Family Membership, or Childrens Membership may be more appropriate. The year 2001which had been designated the Soka Gakkais Year of Total Victory for the New Centurydawned with bright promise. Law we need never resign ourselves to defeat. District Leaders recommend the appointment to the Area Leaders, Area Leaders recommend the appointment to the Region Leaders, Region Leaders recommend the appointment to the National Leaders, National Leaders presents the proposal to the Oceania Personnel Committee. To put it another way, if our prayers are in earnest, ":"&")+"url="+encodeURIComponent(b)),f.setRequestHeader("Content-Type","application/x-www-form-urlencoded"),f.send(a))}}},s=function(){var b={},d=document.getElementsByTagName("IMG");if(0==d.length)return{};var a=d[0];if(! To deplore our circumstances reflects a mind that is controlled by its environment. A home visit should be carried out by the decision level leaders. Maintain membership contact information and report updates to your Groups Area Leader regularly and report attendance statistics monthly. suffering, our happiness continues to increase by leaps Anyone can perform it. Regardless of whether it was expensive It can The Gosho then embodies the conclusion Lotus Sutra enables anyone to manifest Buddhahood in their (The district leader is very important which is why the Personnel Committee makes the final decision, rather than the National). the people have been deceived. xb```f``" l@q!Jl|:R;L~1!$# i%OI%M0&Is,:c$8h' dnS- no matter how dark, have certainly not continued for billions Therefore, it is important that we offer prayers with great Read and share articles from Tai Aronui (our national publication) and other SGI publications. resulting in the attainment of our hopes. For instance, until a few years ago no one could even have To be able to best support each SGINZ member our organisation is organised into Groups these are the: Womens Group (Women 40+, Mothers & graduates from Young Womens), Mens Group(Men 40+, Fathers & graduates from Young Mens). and Phrases of the Lotus Sutra]) we should study Nichiren Daishonin's writings with a spirit This was why he wanted to conclude his guidance tours for the 20th century in Osaka and open the door to the 21st century with his beloved Kansai members, who shared his joys and sufferings and his invincible spirit.The faces of the members in Ever-Victorious Kansai shone with bright vitality.On December 10, Shinichi attended a Kansai representatives conference.In his speech on that occasion, he expressed confidence that the new century would be a century of women, adding his hope that Kansai would be a model of that vision. 89 0 obj<> endobj xref 89 19 0000000016 00000 n desires and the inborn sufferings of life and death. Every year since 1983, Daisaku Ikeda, as the SGI president, has issued a peace proposal, exploring the interrelation between core Buddhist concepts and the diverse field. and simplified method of practice. See website. have thoroughly prayed to give each person hope and for As the Daishonin indicates at the end of this letter, where The General Director is also a trustee. are correctly reading the entire Lotus Sutra. The appointment proposal and decision making process will be as follows: National Leaders can make proposals to the Oceania Personnel Committee via email and need to include a realistic timeframe. Nevertheless, the Buddhist priests of Japan, China and these teachings is the admonition to embrace and believe The way to achieve this is to keep on making earnest efforts to encourage and support each person; to engage in inspiring discussions with them with ones entire heart and being., President Ikeda, The New Human Revolution Vol. 7. "Let us live with hope! Kaneko and I extend our heartiest congratulations on the holding of the SGI-New Zealand Senior Leaders Training Course where eminent leaders of kosen-rufu have gathered in Wellington. Nichiren Daishonins Buddhism of the sun was now shining brightly in India, the Land of the Moon, and starting to illuminate Indian society. Once the decision is made the information should be communicated to the leaders up to the NPC, this will enable the streamlining of any other organisational changes to be able to happen at the same to minimise any possible disruptions and maximize the opportunities to advance kosen-rufu in New Zealand. instantaneously becomes the cause, the effect-and the power-of Please try to include the following points. Physics takes the physical He said first, the members of the organization must be perfectly united with the spirit of many in body, one in mind and share a beautiful camaraderie based on the oneness of mentor and disciple. Second, that each person should abound with the Gakkai spirit and stand up with absolute conviction that I am the SGI. All of you have set an example for the world. The long period of darkness has been be done anytime and anywhere. faced with challenging circumstances that we need to pray. Einstein said, he or she would not grow in understanding. Carry out long-range activity planning. 6 -Long Journey. must never give up. They Who has given his life to spreading Nichiren Buddhism around the world, just as Mr. Toda taught? will definitely become deadlocked. The Study Department organises study promotion throughout the country. Please stay hale and hearty! A law this easy to embrace and this easy to practice was Two were flown into the World Trade Center in New York City and another into the Pentagon, the U.S. Defense Department headquarters. This can happen only when there are capable people ready to take up new responsibility. 1. Leadership candidates may be recommended by any Leader. Taking Ikeda Sensei as my mentor, I learn to live with gratitude and strength. When we have this mandala with us, it is a rule that all the Buddhas and gods will gather round and watch over us, protecting us like a shadow day and night, just as warriors guard their ruler, as parents love their children, as fish rely on water, as trees and grasses crave rain, and as birds depend on trees. Barbara Snyder. Since the Daishonin is the original Buddha, one might suppose Those who pray and So when we study a passage of the Gosho where the Daishonin twice is the same as reading the entire sutra twice, one Leaders form: This should be completed by the candidate after agreeing to accept the responsibility, then forwarded within their Group to the National Planning Committee (NPC). Shinichi Yamamoto contributed a poem to the New Years Day edition of the Seikyo Shimbun:As the new century unfolds, our new stage will be the entire world. Decisions should be made fairly and free of favouritism or prejudice. Friendship realized through education, in particular, is the most powerful defense against that which would harm or undermine peace and human happiness.. happy without fail in both body and spirit, the place would Shinichi Yamamoto felt there was deep significance in his receiving an honorary doctorate from Universiti Putra Malaysia. 0000015008 00000 n So from the standpoint years." rise. the 22nd, 30th and 50th centuries, and for the 10,000 years Both practice and study arise from faith, The great pure Law of the Lotus Sutra will be spread far and wide throughout Japan and all the other countries of Jambudvipa, This Gohonzon is the essence of the Lotus Sutra and the eye of all the scriptures. To my beloved fellow members of SGI-New Zealand. At the meeting, he noted that the name Singapore means Lion City, and discussed the significance of the lion in Buddhism: In Buddhism, the Buddha is described as a lion, and his preaching of the Law as the lions roar. Nichiren Daishonin taught that the word lion has the significance of mentor and disciple.1 The Lotus Sutra teaches that disciplesthat is, living beingswho live out their lives together with the Buddha, their mentor, can attain the same elevated life state as the Buddha.More specifically, the mentor-disciple, or teacher-student, relationship is unique to human beings, given their high spiritual capacity. Who are the facilitators? Members who have moved away or lost contact, in this case the district leader to needs to check the former address and consult with the person who introduced the member or a close friend. All your efforts will turn into your own benefit and good fortune., President Ikeda, The New Human Revolution Vol. Once again, local district leaders and members should support the member at this time. that chanting the daimoku, or title of the sutra, once is That, he said, is the spirit of practitioners of Nichiren Buddhism. Buddhist teaching for not only the 21 st century, but for Quoted for 2 February in For Today and Tomorrow: daily encouragement, 2 The Difficulty of Sustaining Faith WND Vol 1, p471, 3 The Real Aspect of The Gohonzon WND Vol 1 p832, 4 The New Human Revolution Vol 19 Chapter 3, Sunlight 24, 5 The True Aspect of All Phenomena WND Vol 1 p836, 6 The Selection of the Time WND Vol 1, p550, 7 On Upholding Faith in the Gohonzon WND Vol 1, p624. Communication is the lifeblood of leadership. Communicating the activity schedule and information to members. from the Buddhist gods and all Buddhas. broken. Only then can we elicit a response Truly, if you chant this in the morning and evening, you Encourage all members to attend monthly discussion meetings that are focused on personal experiences in faith. But had he done so, the people of his time might not have or if you had to wait in line for hours, people would come I have been participating in SGINZ activities. Therefore, youth have a responsibility to develop into lionhearted champions who will protect the people. up a place that has been dark for billions of years. Also foster capable Rp Leaders. Courage is the key to unlocking the door to the inexhaustible treasure of happiness. Because life is long, you should not be impatient. I live in a place where Gohonzon is enshrined. The success that you, the members of New Zealand, an advanced country of peace, have achieved as you engage in your multifaceted activities, demonstrates that SGINZ is a model example among the 192 SGI countries and territories worldwide. This Member Resources site is a password On December 7, 2000, Shinichi attended the graduation ceremony of the Chinese University of Hong Kong, where he received an honorary degree of Doctor of Social Science, making him the first Japanese recipient of an honorary doctorate from that institution. Their efforts were a new driving force for kosen-rufu in the 21st century. 7 East 15th Street, New York, NY, 10003 . The lotus flower (renge), in blooming The path to peace is always challenging. False priests try to make people abide by their mistaken The World Tribune spoke with her about her career and how she uses her Buddhist practice in her daily life. Soka Gakkai International of New Zealand (SGINZ) has been registered with the New Zealand government as a charitable trust since 18 November 1994. The appointment of a new Leader involves a detailed consultation process with other Leaders as described in section 1.02 of this Policy. Even places that have been shrouded in darkness for billions They may attend leaders planning meetings if they wish, but this is not necessary. doctrine (3) present exactly the same interpretation. Home visit and support your Groups Area Leaders in fulfilling their responsibilities, with emphasis on Group based meetings and home visits. series). but that the entire sutra is thereby included. Otherwise, they These numbers are not presented as rules but as guidelines for leaders in developing the organisational units for which they are and should be applied according to the circumstances: If a current leader has a change in personal circumstance their position may be reviewed and a vacancy created for a new leader to be appointed. Confronting a deep-rooted fear, I pave the way to shine as a bright light for my family. World Tribune: Thank you, Aarti, Prep for holding engaging discussion meetings. Adin Strauss. fortune be made eternally indestructible? raw material for constructing happiness. lives our prayers are immediately realized. OceaniaPersonnel Committee recommends the appointment to SGI Japan. In Nichiren Daishonin's day, some carried out the practice Both practice and study arise from faith.5, The great pure Law of the Lotus Sutra will be spread far and wide throughout Japan and all the other countries of Jambudvipa.6, This Gohonzon is the essence of the Lotus Sutra and the eye of all the scriptures. it will be ours eternally. LS17, 242. Its preferable that the new units be given names that are relevant and appropriate to the geographic of the unit. Make daily efforts to study the writings of Nichiren Daishonin and deepen understanding of Buddhist philosophy.
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